California’s Most Unique Accommodations

As a top destination worldwide, it’s no surprise that some of the world’s most notable accommodations can be found in California. Whether it’s a boutique inn in Napa or luxury hotel in Beverly Hills, California is no stranger to first-class accommodations. However, beyond those notable California hotels exist accommodations that raise more then just a few eyebrows. Today we highlight a few of the most unique accommodations in California.

East Brother Light Station Inn. Yes, light station, as in lighthouse. While you hardly have to leave the San Francisco Bay to stay at the East Brother Light Station Inn, when was the last time you could say that you slept in a lighthouse? An active lighthouse for over 130 years, the East Brother Light Station Inn sits on a small island in the strait that separates the San Francisco and San Pablo Bays. Guest rooms include several in the lighthouse and one room in the fog signal building.

Post Ranch Inn.This may be the one place on this list you’re already familiar with, as Post Ranch Inn is considered one of the top accommodations in California, with its luxurious suites that overlook Big Sur and the Pacific Ocean. Among the accommodations at Post Ranch Inn are a set of tree house suites that sit on stilts above the forest floor. A stairway leads up to each suite, which is outfitted with more then your little tree house as a kid probably was, including a king bed, sitting area, windows looking out over the forest, and fireplace.

Treebones Resort. Yurts aren’t something you’re probably accustomed to seeing in the U.S., yet that’s what you’ll find scattered throughout Treebones Resort. To the onlooker, yurts are nothing more then a glorified tent. Not your typical tent-camping experience, Treebones Resort’s yurts are an upgrade, featuring a queen bed, comfortable seating area, heat, electric lighting, and French doors that open up to Big Sur and views of the Pacific Ocean. You don’t even have to bring your own toilet paper.

Bear Basin Butte Fire Lookout. While some of the accommodations listed here have the luxury traveler in mind, Bear Basin Butte Fire Lookout does not, as this is more for the rustic traveler. While fire lookouts may not have the same importance now as they did decades ago, some of them have now been turned into accommodations, such as this one in Six Rivers National Forest in the northwestern corner of California. While guests are greeted with beautiful views overlooking the forest, they’ll have to do so without the comforts of water and electricity.

Wigwam Motel. The Wigwam Motel is somewhat of a road trip icon, with its location on Route 66 in Southern California. Its history dates back to the mid-1900s when motels like this were popping up around the U.S. Individual teepee cabins are situated around the property, resembling the wigwams of Native American history. Once inside, guests will find accommodations similar to that of most hotel rooms.